2018 Audi A4 allroad 2.0T quattro S tronic Review

2018 Audi A4 allroad 2.0T quattro S tronic Review Americans aren’t particularly fond of wagons like consumers in Europe, but the Audi A4 is a wagon Americans would like. It has many attributes that resemble a crossover or SUV, like its cargo-carrying utility, standard all-wheel drive, and an increased ride height for light off-road duties. The Allroad’s cabin even looks modern and luxurious, setting it apart from the competition. 
And there are other reasons to look seriously at this luxury family hauler. This week, we have been driving the 2018 Audi A4 allroad 2.0T quattro S tronic.
What’s New For 2018
The Audi A4 allroad was redesigned for 2017 and changes this year are limited to feature and package content. Heated seats are now standard, and the mid-level Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring to its list of equipment.
Features & Options
The Audi A4 allroad ($44,500) is loaded with features, including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features keyless entry, a blind-spot monitor, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power liftgate, satellite radio, and eight-way power adjustable front seats with four-way driver lumbar adjust. 
It also came with the optional Cold ($650) and Warm Weather package ($1,450), offering up ventilated front seats, a power window shade, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel, and all-weather floor mats.
The Prestige package ($8,500) comes with automated driver and advanced safety systems, parking sensors, heads-up display, LED headlights, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Total MSRP including destination: $56,650.

Interior Highlights
The Audi A4 allroad’s cabin is one the vehicle’s best attributes and in our opinion, the best in this class. The allroad sits a little higher than the A4 sedan and it’s easier to get in and out. We found the cabin easily accommodates drivers of all sizes, it offers good visibility, and the cockpit feels driver-focused.
The fit and finish inside is upscale, the quality of materials is first class, and the allroad feels well-built. We didn’t hear any squeaks or rattles and the cabin is quiet on the open road. We liked the tablet-sized screen that sits in the middle of the dash and the updated MMI controller is easier to access than before. By and large, the controls aren’t overly complicated.
In the backseat, there’s room for two adults, but taller passengers may feel a bit cramped for legroom, but it’s ideal for the kids. The standard panoramic sunroof keeps the backseat feeling open and airy. Another nice touch is the optional Virtual Cockpit instrument panel and heads-up display that helps keep the driver’s eyes focused on the road.
There’s 58.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down and 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat.





Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 252 horsepower and dishes up 273 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system. 
Fuel mileage estimates come in at 22/30 city/highway and 25 combined mpg. The allroad features an automatic engine stop/start system for additional fuel savings.
Driving Dynamics
The allroad is powered by an engine that can move the wagon down the road without a problem. The extra torque moves the heavier vehicle away from a stop light quickly and lane changes are made easy with the peppy four-cylinder. We drove the allroad at altitude where the turbo made the engine response effortless in the thin air.
Around the tight mountain curves the family hauler felt nimble, going around corners better than most wagons. The vehicle is composed in all driving situations, and we felt right at home on the mountain roads and city streets. The seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission offers up smooth shifts and connects well to Audi’s already excellent quattro all-wheel drive system. This will also give families an all-weather vehicle with some light off-road abilities.
On our commute to Denver, the ride was especially smooth. Noise levels inside the cabin were kept to a minimum, making it a comfortable place to spend time. We cranked up the Bang & Olufsen premium sound as well and forgot about the noisy outside world. With front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, the allroad kept us informed of anything out of view. 
The only kicker is how the engine is slow to restart with the stop-start system engaged, but thankfully it can be switched off. 
Conclusion
The allroad isn’t an SUV, but it will deliver what any crossover can. It has a great powertrain with the latest version of Audi’s 2.0-liter turbo engine. Add in good fuel economy and it’s a capable family hauler in a smart, luxurious package.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Audi A4 allroad Gallery























2018 Audi A4 allroad Official Site.
Photos: Audi of America, Inc.



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Inside The 2019 Chevy Silverado: Engineering Metrics, Materials Strategy & Engines

Inside The 2019 Chevy Silverado: Engineering Metrics, Materials Strategy & Engines Fresh off its debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show, The 2019 Chevy Silverado is looking to be the all-inclusive truck in an increasingly competitive segment. When it finally hits showrooms, the 2019 Silverado will offer eight different trim levels and six different engine and transmission options, something the automaker says is paramount.
“That allows every customer to get the exact truck they want,” explained Scott Damman, Lead Development Engineer, 2019 Silverado. “All these trim levels allow us to have a truck for every customer.”
Extreme Metrics
In an effort to secure a position as that all-inclusive truck, the 2019 Silverado was subjected to GM’s most rigorous engineering metrics in history. The Silverado team essentially doubled their validation targets, performing over 475,000 tests and logging seven million miles of real-world testing in the interest of durability.
“It is pretty daunting,” Damman said. “Especially when you think about a vehicle that is redesigned from the ground up – brand new – everything is brand new.”
Each engine was subjected to repeat “torture testing” which included visits to the dynamometer cells. Inside, the engines would run for months on end – without stopping – to simulate a lifetime of maximum hot and cold cycles. From there, the Silverado team traveled to Davis Dam in Arizona where the truck hauled its maximum gross combined vehicle weight up a seven percent grade in 110-degree heat. The benchmark of this test was to incur no loss in performance even with the air conditioner running.
“By taking 450 lbs. out we can give that performance back to our customers,” Damman said referring to how the new Silverado is 450 lbs. lighter when compared to the current generation with a V8. “When that 450 lbs. is not being lugged down the road because of the truck itself, it gives you that capacity.”
The 2019 Silverado was subjected to GM’s most rigorous engineering metrics in history. Photo: Chevrolet.
Light & Tight
The 2019 Silverado’s actual body is 88 lbs. lighter and its fully boxed steel frame, despite being 88 lbs. lighter, offers a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity. The live-axle rear suspension is also redesigned, including new carbon-composite, second-stage springs on LT models that cut about 12 lbs. (per side) over the steel springs they replace.
“The engineering team was actually tasked with going and looking at every single part for weight savings,” Damman explained. “To do that we actually went to our suppliers and our supply base to begin pulling on new technology, which included new processes for building things. We learned about what they have and by doing so, we were able to get lighter materials in the truck, but build it stronger so it will give that performance back to our customers.”
The doors, hood, and tailgate are made from aluminum while the fenders, roof, and bed utilize high-strength steel. The underlying safety cage uses seven different grades of steel. 80 percent of the frame consists of high-strength steel, varying from two to five millimeters in thickness, depending on location. Hydroforming, roll forming, conventional stamping, and tailor-rolled blanking are all performed during manufacturing.
“We like to call it our mixed materials strategy,” Damman added. “Where we could get away from high-strength steel we did, and that transfers some of that cost and weight savings back to customers.”





Corvettes & Customers
Another test was borrowed from the Corvette’s book, whereby the 2019 Silverado was subjected to sharp tilt angles. These “tilt stands” dip the truck at an angle of up to 53 degrees, and can simulate angles at a rate of up to 40 degrees a second, the equivalent of up to 1.4g. This test helps ensure proper engine and transmission lubrication.
“We have a lot of performance factors that we look into early on in the program,” Damman said. “There is a whole group of people that actually set those performance requirements as we look at our current generation Silverado.”
Among those groups of people are Silverado customers.
“We take our customer’s feedback and we try to figure out how to balance all of their requirements,” Damman added. “By doing that early on we have something to work towards.”
2019 Silverado LTZ. Photo: Chevrolet.
Engine Lineup
The evergreen 5.3 and 6.2 return to the Silverado lineup, this time equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management. The new system replaces the current Active Fuel Management and allows for 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation to boost performance and efficiency. Power figures, although unchanged from 2017, remain quite healthy: the 5.3 outputs 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque, contrasted to the 6.2 which creates 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque.
Chevrolet estimates about half of the new trucks will be equipped with one of these two engines.
“The 5.3 and 6.2, although they have been around for a while, have been redesigned and rebuilt for weight savings and better performance,” Damman said. “Our propulsion team had the same task as the rest of our engineering team: to figure out ways to make things stronger, save weight, and increase performance.”
The 4.3-liter V6 sees an increase in torque and fuel efficiency for 2019. The standard engine on the Silverado LT and new RST now creates 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft. of torque. Also in the mix is the new 2.7-liter Turbo with Active Fuel Management. The new turbocharged offering for the Silverado creates 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft. of torque.
Last but certainly not least, a Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six joins the lineup.
“It is an all-new engine developed by our propulsion team at GM,” Damman said. “It fits in nicely for a full-size truck, and all the performance factors were taken into account.”
Depending on engine choice, the 2019 Silverado will come with either a six, eight or 10-speed automatic.
2019 Silverado RST. Photo: Chevrolet.
Availability & Manufacturing
Assembly of crew cab V8s will begin in the third quarter, with double and regular cab models joining in the fourth quarter. Production of the 4.3-liter V6 and 2.7-liter Turbo are also scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter, with the Duramax being available in early 2019.
EPA fuel economy estimates and towing and payload capacities are not yet available.
When it arrives, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will have eight different trim levels, including an off-road-oriented Trailboss.
“I think we can get a lot of new customers into these trucks,” Damman said. “We have the right team in place that can take it there and get it to the next level.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.



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Traffic Fatalities Likely To Increase Over Memorial Day Weekend Experts Say

Traffic Fatalities Likely To Increase Over Memorial Day Weekend Experts Say Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and with the holiday comes an increase in travel. The National Safety Council is urging drivers to exercise caution, saying over 400 may be killed this year during Memorial Day weekend. The organization also estimates that nearly 46,000 could be seriously injured during the three-day holiday period.
Memorial Day weekend officially begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 25th, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 28th.
Deadly Season
In general, summer can be a risky season of travel with July 4th often being billed as the most dangerous holiday. When compared to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the three summertime holidays – Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day – typically claim over 110 lives each day, the highest average per-day fatality rates.
“Memorial Day should mark the start of summer – not a deadly driving season,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. “If we pay attention, slow down and be courteous, we can increase our chances of making it to picnics, beaches, and barbecues rather than emergency rooms.”
Dangers of Distraction
Distracted driving is among the leading causes of traffic accidents today with texting and driving being one of the primary culprits. Motorists may think “just glancing” at their phone is okay, but even that can prove fatal.
“This inattention, no matter how slight, can endanger the driver, passengers, and innocent bystanders,” explained Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “The sad part is that 100 percent of crashes related to distracted driving are preventable.”

Advice & Insight
The National Safety Council is encouraging everyone this weekend to buckle up, drive defensively, and to get plenty of sleep before traveling. At events where alcohol is involved, the National Safety Council says finding alternative transportation or designating a sober driver is the best protocol. The Michigan State Police continue to warn the public on the dangers of drugged driving.
“We have done a pretty good job of educating the public about not getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired on alcohol, but the word is still not out yet about making sure you do not get behind the wheel when you are impaired on any other drugs,” Flegel said. “And that also includes prescription medication.”
The National Safety Council has provided additional information about Memorial Day weekend, including fatality estimates and motor vehicle data and research. The Michigan State Police have provided a few key safety tips, which are listed below.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Safety Tips From The Michigan State Police
Buckle up.
Abide by all traffic laws and posted signs.
Pay attention behind the wheel at all times.
Remove all distractions in the car, including cell phones.
Allow for plenty of time when crossing a street or intersection.
Use sidewalks whenever available and never cross the street mid-block.
Always stop at the edge of a parked car, curb, or vehicle before walking out into traffic.
Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking at night or during the early morning.



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2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: A Real Sleeper!

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: A Real Sleeper! 97Excellent 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Overall Impression Ideal summer car.Fast, fun, and furious.Nice slice of nostalgia.ProsStylingManual TransmissionEngine Performance & SoundConsSmall Backseat Parking In Big Cities The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt marks the 50th anniversary of the 1968 movie Bullitt. If you aren’t old enough to remember, or haven’t seen the movie, you need to. The film has one of the most iconic car chases in cinema history. The film stars Steve McQueen and a Highland Green 1968 Mustang fastback. The car was the biggest hit and it made the already successful Mustang even more popular at the time. The Mustang Bullitt returns and it’s a sports car any performance enthusiast would want sitting in their garage.
Over the weekend, we drove a 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt in Dark Highland Green.
Ford Mustang Bullitt: What’s New For 2019?
Ford dipped into the nostalgia pool and created the 2019 Mustang Bullitt, and we could tell they had fun doing it. It’s available in Dark Highland Green or Shadow Black, but we can’t imagine anyone not getting the iconic green hue. The manual gear shifter features a white cue ball knob as a nod to the original car.
The optional Electronics Package includes navigation, driver memory seats and mirrors, upgraded sound system, and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert. Ford’s MagneRide suspension and RECARO seats are the only other two options for this classic Mustang.
Features & Options: A Real Sleeper 
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt comes standard with black alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and rear parking sensors. The Performance Package is standard on the Bullitt. It includes red Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer performance tires. The Performance Package gives your Bullitt a shorter differential ratio, a bigger radiator, stiffer front springs, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Our Bullitt tester came with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension and blind-spot monitoring.
We liked how the new Mustang Bullitt is a real sleeper. The spoiler, fender logos, and grille badges are all removed. You can’t tell this coupe is a special edition or a high-performance model. There’s added chrome trim around the side windows and grille, but the only thing that gives it away is a Bullitt-specific crosshair badge on the rear. Maybe the red Brembo brake calipers peeking through the wheels – but that’s about it. Otherwise, it’s a true sleeper. 
Our Bullitt tester came with the optional Electronics Package which included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and navigation. Our tester was not for sale and Ford did not give us any exact pricing info. Based on our research and depending on options, plan for $47,000 to $53,000 if you are going to purchase a new Mustang Bullitt. Ford could get a lot more money from this coupe if they wanted to.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt.
Interior Highlights: Symphony of V8 Sound 
The first thing you have to consider is parking your Bullitt! You don’t want to park too close to someone for fear of door dings on that gorgeous Highland Green paint. We also found out real fast how the long doors make it nearly impossible to get in and out of the low-slung Mustang. If you have rear passengers they need to be child-size, because they will have a hard time accessing the rear. The seat belts are another issue in this performance car. It’s quite a long reach back just to get the belts. Once we got in, however, there’s a good range of adjustment for the steering column and seat height, allowing both tall and short drivers the ability to find a comfortable driving position.
We immediately noticed the white cue ball shift knob, and that brought back good muscle car memories. Our Bullitt tester came with green accent stitching, a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a heated steering wheel.
The cabin feels spacious up front and there’s plenty of elbow room to get comfortable. Everything is well laid out and the build quality feels solid, even though there are some hard plastics. The fit and finish feels tight with no annoying rattles to detract from the 5.0 V8’s rumble. Visibility is not great as you would expect from a raked roof coupe like this. Decent side mirrors help shrink the typical blind spots, and we were thankful for the standard rearview camera when backing into a tight spot. Given the rear seats are very size-restrictive for passengers, it’s a great place for additional storage.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt interior layout.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is powered by a sweet 5.0-liter V8 with an open-element air induction system and an intake manifold sourced from the Shelby GT350. Although torque stays the same as the current Mustang GT (420 lb-ft.), horsepower gets a bump to 480. The Bullitt only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox; an automatic is not available.
EPA fuel mileage ratings come in at 15/24 city/highway, but you won’t even get close to that. 
Driving Dynamics: Perfect For Those Who Love Cars 
Power from the Mustang Bullitt is off the charts, and the sound from the dual exhaust is even better. We downshifted the healthy V8 and heard the rev-matching system, which is addicting to the ears. You can’t drive this Mustang without getting a big grin on your face! Anyone within earshot will know this is a special car.
We had more fun this weekend than any auto journalist should be allowed to. We took out more friends who couldn’t wait for us to give them a ride. After a few drives, we seriously thought about charging admission! Everybody we knew wanted to feel the raw power and listen to the throaty growl from this 5.0 V8. 
We pushed the Bullitt hard around the mountain corners near Denver and it gave us everything we could ask for. The MagneRide suspension provides plenty of stability at higher speeds, and the manual transmission’s short throws make it a rarity when so many cars today have automatics. The Bullitt is a special car for rare occasions. As an everyday driver, you would likely get a boatload of speeding tickets.
Anyone within earshot will know the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a special car.
Conclusion: An Ideal Summer Ride 
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is for the performance enthusiast who wants a car for extreme fun. This needs to be a second car that’s taken to the track on weekends ideally. It’s the only way you will experience the optimum performance this pony car has to offer. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Gallery











Photos: Ford Motor Company.



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2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster: Ragtop Middle Child Debuts With 515 Horsepower

2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster: Ragtop Middle Child Debuts With 515 Horsepower The 2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster is regarded as the ragtop middle child in the AMG GT family. It is equipped with the same burly and turbocharged AMG V8 motor of the AMG GT S Coupe that produces 515 horsepower and 494 lb-ft. of torque between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm.
“The new model represents the perfect alternative for the performance-oriented AMG GT Roadster customer,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmBH. “With the AMG GT S Roadster, our AMG family has gained another exceptionally sporty member that combines high driving dynamics with an emotional open air experience.”
Power & Performance
Can’t make up your mind between the vanilla 469 horsepower AMG GT Roadster and 550 horsepower AMG GT C? Mercedes is offering the AMG GT S Coupe with 515 horsepower but what if you want a convertible? Well, now you can. The 2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster features a three-layered fabric soft top, so you can better immerse yourself in those glorious and guttural sounds: that magnificent AMG soundtrack as you step on the gas.
The AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with the same 515 horsepower, twin-turbocharged and handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 found in the AMG GT S Coupe. The mill is connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission with an electronically-controlled, rear axle limited slip-differential, which is standard equipment on the AMG GT C Roadster.
This means zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph. That is only four mph less than the race-oriented AMG GT C Roadster.
The 2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster follows the company’s hallmark engine design, whereby the turbochargers are inside the cylinder “V.” Mercedes-AMG says this contributes to a compact engine design, spontaneous response, and lower emissions. Photo: MBUSA.
Suspension & Braking
Standard on the 2019 AMG GT S Roadster is AMG Ride Control with adaptive damping. Featuring a fully-automatic and electronically-controlled suspension system that varies damping force at each wheel, you get tight handling, precise steering, and a ride quality that won’t disappoint your chiropractor.
The suspension can be configured to Comfort, Sport, and Sport + so you can go from mild to wild by simply pressing a switch on the center console.
The front axle is equipped with composite brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers. The rear also comes with composite discs and single-piston fixed calipers. Optional is the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system with larger-diameter brake discs.
Mercedes-AMG says the GT S Roadster was designed to accelerate out of corners “earlier” with more power and better traction, thanks largely to the limited-slip differential. Photo: MBUSA.
Lightweight & Aerodynamic
The 2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster utilizes lightweight composite materials and aluminum for the spaceframe. The load-bearing structures are constructed from SMC or Sheet Molding Compound to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity.
The front deck is largely composed of magnesium to help further reduce inertia over the front axle. The result is an incredibly agile and precise roadster that you simply point and shoot with a firm press of the throttle.
The new AMG GT S Roadster is also equipped with the AIRPANEL active air management system to govern the behavior of incoming air. You will find vertical louvers at the bottom of the front bumper that can automatically open or close to either provide engine cooling or better aerodynamics.
Of course, no AMG GT model is complete without the extendable rear spoiler to reduce lift at higher speeds.
The AMG GT S Roadster comes with the Silver Chrome Interior package, although a Black Piano Lacquer package is optional. Ventilated seats are also available. Photo: MBUSA.
Selectable Drive Modes
Unlike the humdrum AMG GT with only four driving modes, the new AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with the same AMG Dynamic Select controller of the AMG GT C with five driving modes. Besides the usual Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus (and the Individual mode you can program to your liking), the AMG GT S Roadster also comes with RACE mode so you can teach wannabe street racers a thing or two on what racing really means.
Otherwise, the all-wheel steering of the AMG GT C is NOT standard on the 2019 AMG GT S Roadster. Frankly, this is a bit of a letdown. But we guess Mercedes-AMG will offer this feature as an option later on. We certainly hope so.
Pricing & Availability
The Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster will be available in the United States near the end of the year with pricing information due closer to that time.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 
2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster Gallery








Photos & Source: MBUSA.



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Volvo Cuts Diesel From New S60, Further Commits To Electrification

Volvo Cuts Diesel From New S60, Further Commits To Electrification When the Volvo S60 arrives later this spring it will not offer a diesel powertain, a move the automaker says is part of their commitment to a “long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine.” Volvo is one of the industry’s strongest proponents for electrification and will drop diesel powertrains in favor of EV technology.
“Our future is electric and we will no longer develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars.
Electrification Strategy
All new Volvo models launched from 2019 will be available as either a mild petrol hybrid, plug-in petrol hybrid or battery electric vehicle. Earlier this year, the automaker reinforced its electrification strategy, stating their desire to have electric cars make up 50 percent of their global sales by 2025.
“The new S60 represents the next step in that commitment,” Samuelsson added. “We will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification.”
Availability & Manufacturing
The new S60, based on Volvo’s in-house Scalable Product Architecture, will first be available with a range of four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engines, along with two petrol plug-in hybrid versions. Mild hybrid versions will follow next year. Production will begin this fall at Volvo’s new manufacturing facility outside Charleston, South Carolina.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.



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2019 BMW M5 Competition Raises M5 Bar Considerably

2019 BMW M5 Competition Raises M5 Bar Considerably Question: What’s better than a BMW M5? Answer: The 2019 BMW M5 Competition. Think of it as an M5 only more so. Whatever the “normal” M5 has, the Competition offers more of. And anybody who finds any M5 “normal” I have serious questions about.
The original M5, for those who need a refresher, is the byproduct that happens when one of the inventors of the “sports sedan” really decides to let it all hang out. The first M5 was a frighteningly capable car and they only got more and more potent from there on out. For one iteration, BMW’s M5 had a V10 plant residing under it’s broad hood – in a sedan!
Who does that? Bavarian gearheads, that’s who.
Power & Performance
At any rate, this new, even M-ier M5 carries on that fine hot-rodding tradition. And like all hot rods, this is all about that engine baby! Oh sure, the M5 Comp turns and stops like the business too, but we all know what that “M” in BMW stands for. And in this specific instance, it stands for a high-revving M TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8 that generates 617 horsepower and a tug-like 553 lb-ft. of torque. All that re-tuning to optimize torque and power delivery pays off with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 3.1 seconds; the 124 mph mark reached in 10.8 seconds, and the whole shebang topping out at 189 big ones.
All that is even more impressive since the M5 Comp weighs, huh, that’s funny, BMW doesn’t mention how much this thing weighs. I’m guessing north of 4,000 lbs. but slightly less than the all up displacement of the Scharnhorst.
2019 BMW M5 Competition. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Torque Distribution
All that Leistung is put to the Straße via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and an M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Yes, it’s all-wheel drive, but the M xDrive system, which made its debut in the “standard” 2019 BMW M5, distributes the engine’s torque between the front and rear wheels via a transfer case with a fully variable, electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch – and then the Active M Differential splits the torque between the rear wheels as needed.
The M xDrive system is explicitly rear-wheel biased, so this big four-door gets incredible agility and, thanks to the Dynamic Stability Control, drive torque is distributed between the front and rear axles at the press of a button. The M Dynamic mode gives you greater slip angles and “particularly fun handling,” according to BMW.
There is the option for pure rear-wheel drive that allows “experienced and skilled drivers” to bask with no control system intervention. BMW has even gone so far as to tweak the engine mounts to optimize responsiveness and cornering characteristics.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Ride & Handling
Speaking of the handling, the M5 Competition gets model-specific chassis tuning with double-wishbones up front and a five-link deal holding up the back end. An M-specific version of the Variable Damper Control system is along for the ride with Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes on tap. The M Servotronic steering is an electromechanical setup.
Ride height has been dropped seven millimeters over the “normal” M5 Sedan along with tweaks to the springs and dampers, increased negative camber at the front, and toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts for more precise wheel control at the rear. The rate of the rear anti-roll bar is firmed up, so body roll during high-speed cornering is distributed with a pronounced rear bias. Huzzah!
Stopping is taken care of with low-weight M compound brakes with six-piston fixed calipers and perforated, inner-vented brake discs at the front, and single-piston floating calipers with an integrated parking brake at the rear. Optional M carbon-ceramic brakes are there for the asking, and you should really ask.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Styling Treatments
Visually setting the M5 Competition apart are specially-designed light-alloy wheels, high-gloss black finishers on the door handles, mirror bases and triangles, exterior mirror caps and the mesh of the gills in the front flanks. The trademark kidney grille’s surrounds are also high-gloss black along with the detailing on the rear bumper cover. The tailpipes come in black chrome and both the rear spoiler and “M5 Competition” trunk logo are finished in high-gloss black.
A distinctive “M Competition” graphic is found in the instrument cluster to greet the driver as the vehicle is starting up, and to let you know how special you are (like Beemer drivers need any more encouragement in this arena).
Sadly, no word on pricing or availability, but you still want one, don’t you?
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 
2019 BMW M5 Competition Gallery











Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.



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2018 Honda Odyssey Production Begins

2018 Honda Odyssey Production Begins

The Honda Odyssey is the most popular minivan in the United States. Retail sales data from Urban Science shows Honda has lead the minivan segment for the last seven years, and they show no signs of slowing down. This week, more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) kicked off 2018 Odyssey production.
“This is a celebration for our entire Honda team of associates who have been committed to bringing an all-new, high tech, family-friendly Odyssey to our customers,” said Jeff Tomko, President of HMA.
Exclusive Rights
HMA opened on November 14th 2001 in Lincoln, Alabama, assembling what was then the second generation Odyssey. Today, HMA has built more than 4 million vehicles and engines as the sole production outlet of the Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. The 2018 Odyssey is the fourth all-new model to emerge from HMA in the past five years. HMA also builds the Acura MDX and its corresponding V6 engine.
The facility has undergone various upgrades to boost performance and quality assurance. With regard to the 2018 Odyssey, this includes a new and refined process for the acoustic spray foam. The material is installed in 14 different locations within the Odyssey’s body to enhance cabin quietness and reduce road noise.
“I congratulate all of our associates for their commitment to quality for this new vehicle, which ushers in a new level of features and functionality with the goal of creating new value for our customers,” Tomko said.
All 2018 Odysseys in EX and above trims will have Honda Sensing as standard equipment. The package includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Photo: Honda North America.
Performance Tech
The 2018 Honda Odyssey, in its higher trims, features a new i-VTEC V6 with 280 horsepower – an increase of 32 horsepower over the outgoing model. The engine is paired to a new 10-speed automatic, the first of its kind for a front-wheel drive minivan. The transmission is produced at Honda Precision Parts Georgia (HPPG) in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
Honda is specific in their design approach with the Odyssey, focusing on beneficial features for growing families. The 2018 Odyssey’s Magic Slide second-row seating system, for example, offers a reconfigurable array for more passenger comfort, easier cargo hauling, and smoother access to the third row. Other features families will find useful are the CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems. CabinWatch lets Mom and Dad keep tabs on the kids via an infrared camera (don’t act up kids!) while CabinTalk allows them to chat with rear passengers through the speakers and rear entertainment headphones.
On the daily commute, drivers can keep passengers comfortable with the Odyssey’s CabinControl app. Through smartphone integration, the app controls entertainment, navigation, and rear climate settings. CabinControl also links to the Social Playlist, a virtual jukebox spinning the preferred music of up to seven family members.
Expect the 2018 Honda Odyssey before long at Honda dealerships nationwide – if you are interested in a 2017 model, see our product and performance overview on the vehicle. Americans have purchased more than 2.5 million Odyssey minivans since its 1994 debut.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Honda North America.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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Nissan To Expand NISMO Road Car Business

Nissan To Expand NISMO Road Car Business

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is developing a new operation aimed at expanding its NISMO road car business. NISMO Cars Business Department is part of Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan group company that makes converted vehicles. The division intends to build a greater range of models available to customers in more markets, according to Nissan.
NISMO Cars Business Department will recruit enterprising talent from Nissan, Autech, Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. and other Nissan ventures to develop the vehicles.
Prospects & Performance
The idea is to introduce NISMO road cars to new global segments and market them accordingly. At the same time, Nissan will look to boost their NISMO presence in existing markets like Japan, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The performance aspects and styling cues of NISMO’s road cars are derived through NISMO motorsports. The focus of the brand revolves around offering drivers a quality and reliability that matches the performance.
“As a Nissan sub-brand, NISMO further builds upon the core values of Nissan cars,” said Takao Katagiri, President and CEO, Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International.
Joint Efforts
Nissan unveiled the NISMO brand in 2013; NISMO cars account for about 15,000 units per year in sales. Models so far include the GT-R, 370Z, JUKE, and Sentra in the United States. The Note and Patrol are also on the NISMO roster but are sold outside the American market. In addition to shortening the development process, Nissan plans to raise the bar with regard to marketing and promoting the vehicles. NISMO Cars Business Department will team with Nissan Motorsports International on a range of projects, including showing the cars at Nissan dealerships and holding events for NISMO car owners.
“With the combined expertise of Nissan group companies, NISMO road cars will make customers enjoy Nissan cars more than ever,” Katagiri said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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